Khat deaths – or the social construction of a non-existent problem? A response to Corkery et al. ‘Bundle of fun’ or ‘bunch of problems’? Case series of khat-related deaths in the UK

Abstract

Khat is a benign substance with an excellent medical safety record. The paper by Corkery et al. seeks to present it as a ‘killer drug’ but can only do so by redefining the term drug related deaths from one of causality to a loose association. In the process, scientific rigour is sacrificed and both the evidence on khat use as a cause of harm, and khat as a culturally integrated psychoactive substance, are grossly misrepresented

Notes

Notes

1. Recommendation 45: The Board notes with concern the abuse of khat (Catha edulis), which is currently not under international control, in countries in Eastern Africa and elsewhere. The Board calls upon WHO to expedite the review of this substance to determine whether it should be recommended to be placed under international control.